Federal Reserve Board chief Ben Bernanke says that nation's biggest banks will be subject to more rules and regulations in coming months in order to protect the financial system. Bernanke addresses the issue of oversight at a time when the economy's still struggling to find firm footing.

  A roundup of financial news breaking before the opening bell on Friday.

  Schlumberger’s third-quarter performance in oilfield services is flat with the second quarter. Net income falls 48% on a year-over-year basis, but the company sounds a modestly optimistic note on prospects for an upturn.

  Output in the euro zone grows in October at the fastest pace since late 2007, while a closely-watched gauge of German business sentiment posts a slight rise this month.

  Investors brace for a slew of earnings from Dow component Microsoft and other companies as well as an update on the state of the U.S. housing market.

  A roundup of the latest corporate earnings reports and what companies are saying about future quarters.

  If you're not happy with your realty agent and your listing agreement has time to run, you still have recourse.

  Honeywell reports a smaller third-quarter profit on Friday due to lower sales volume in its aerospace, transportation systems and automation businesses.

  Among companies expected to see active trade in Friday’s session are Amazon.com Inc. Honeywell International Inc. and Capital One Financial Corp.

  Ingersoll-Rand posts a smaller third-quarter profit Friday as a slowdown in commercial construction activity crimps results.